Chapter 56

The next morning, Abigail woke up to the weak winter sun filtering through the blinds. The air in Emma’s apartment was crisp, and for a moment, she lay still, savoring the quiet. But the peace didn’t last. The memories of the previous night crept in like an unwelcome chill, and her stomach churned with unease.

Emma was already up, sitting at the small dining table with her laptop open and a steaming mug of coffee in hand. She glanced up when Abigail shuffled into the room, offering her a warm smile.

“Morning,” Emma said softly. “I made some coffee and oatmeal if you’re hungry.”

“Thanks,” Abigail murmured, rubbing her arms as she sat down across from Emma. The smell of the coffee was comforting, but her appetite was nonexistent.

Emma closed her laptop, giving Abigail her full attention. “How are you feeling today?”

Abigail sighed, resting her chin in her hand. “Tired. Like my brain hasn’t stopped spinning since last night.”

Emma nodded, understanding. “Makes sense. You’ve been through a lot in the last twenty-four hours. Maybe we can focus on small steps today, take things one at a time?”

“Small steps,” Abigail repeated, almost to herself. “Yeah, maybe.” She stared into her coffee for a moment before looking up. “I was thinking… if they’re right about the danger, I need to be prepared. Just in case.”

Emma leaned forward, her brows knitting together. “What are you thinking?”

“Self-defense,” Abigail said firmly. “I don’t know who these people are or what they want, but if they come for me… I want to be ready.”

Emma’s face brightened with approval. “That’s a great idea. I actually know a place that offers classes. It’s not far from here. We could check it out together.”

“You’d come with me?” Abigail asked, a small smile breaking through her otherwise serious expression.

“Of course,” Emma said without hesitation. “No way am I letting you face this alone.”

Abigail felt a flicker of relief. “Thanks, Emma. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You’ll never have to find out,” Emma said with a wink. “Now, how about we get dressed and go see what this self-defense place is all about?”

Later that afternoon, Abigail and Emma stood outside a modest brick building with a sign that read Guardian Martial Arts Academy. The sounds of punches hitting bags and trainers shouting instructions carried through the doors. Abigail hesitated, suddenly second-guessing her decision.

Emma noticed and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You’ve got this, Abi. It’s just a class. No pressure to do more than you’re comfortable with.”

Abigail nodded, taking a deep breath. “Okay. Let’s do this.”

Inside, the gym was bustling with activity. A tall woman with cropped hair and a warm smile approached them, introducing herself as Coach Marina. After listening to Abigail’s reasons for wanting to learn self-defense, Marina nodded with understanding.

“We’ve got a beginner’s class starting in twenty minutes,” she said. “Why don’t you two join in and see how you feel? No commitments yet, just a chance to dip your toes in.”

Abigail hesitated, glancing at Emma, who gave her an encouraging nod. “Okay,” she said. “Let’s try it.”

The class was both challenging and empowering. Abigail felt awkward at first, fumbling through the moves as Marina demonstrated how to block and strike effectively. But as the session went on, she found herself growing more focused, her muscles beginning to remember the motions. By the end, she was sweaty, sore, and exhausted—but a tiny spark of confidence had been reignited within her.

Emma grinned as they left the gym, both of them bundled up against the biting wind. “You were amazing in there,” she said. “How do you feel?”

“Tired,” Abigail admitted with a laugh. “But… better. Like I actually did something for myself.”

“That’s the spirit,” Emma said, nudging her playfully. “We’ll make a warrior out of you yet.”

That evening, as Abigail and Emma walked back to the apartment, their breaths puffed in the cold air, mingling in the soft glow of the streetlights. Abigail’s hand brushed against Emma’s, and Emma glanced over, her smile small but warm. After a moment’s hesitation, Emma reached out and took Abigail’s hand, threading their fingers together. Abigail’s steps faltered slightly, but she gave Emma’s hand a gentle squeeze.

“So,” Emma began, her voice cutting through the quiet. “How’s it feel? First self-defense class under your belt.”

Abigail let out a short laugh. “Weirdly good. I mean, I couldn’t even throw a decent punch at the start. By the end, though? I felt… I don’t know. Like I might stand a chance if someone came after me.”

“You were fierce,” Emma said, her tone teasing but proud. “When Marina held the pad for you and you landed that kick? I thought she was gonna fall over.”

Abigail chuckled, nudging Emma playfully with her shoulder. “She was probably just being nice. You, on the other hand, looked like a natural. How many of these classes have you secretly taken without telling me?”

Emma grinned. “What can I say? I’m full of surprises. But seriously, you were amazing, Abi. I’m glad you wanted to do this. And even more glad you let me tag along.”

Abigail tilted her head, studying Emma for a moment. “You didn’t have to come with me, you know. But… I’m really glad you did.”

Emma stopped walking, pulling Abigail to a halt. “Of course I came. Abi, you’re important to me. Whatever you’re dealing with, we’re in it together.”

Abigail’s breath caught, and she looked down at their joined hands. “You keep saying that, but I don’t think I’ve really thanked you. For being here. For… everything.”

Emma stepped closer, her voice soft but steady. “You don’t have to thank me. You’ve been through so much, and you’re still standing. That’s worth sticking around for.”

Abigail’s lips twitched into a small smile. “Well, in that case, I’m glad you’re as stubborn as I am.”

Emma laughed, the sound bright against the cold night. “Someone has to keep you in line.”

As they reached the apartment, Emma unlocked the door, holding it open for Abigail. Once inside, the warmth wrapped around them, a welcome contrast to the frigid air outside. Abigail kicked off her boots and sank onto the couch with a content sigh while Emma disappeared into the kitchen.

“You want tea?” Emma called out.

“That’d be great,” Abigail replied, pulling a blanket over her legs. “Also, maybe a medal for surviving today.”

Emma laughed as she returned with two mugs, handing one to Abigail. “Tea I can do. Medals might be a stretch.” She sat down beside Abigail, tucking one leg beneath her. “Okay, real talk—how are you feeling now?”

Abigail took a sip of tea, savoring the warmth before answering. “Better. Still scared, obviously, but… I feel like I’m doing something about it. Like I’m not just sitting around waiting for the next bad thing to happen.”

Emma nodded. “That’s progress. And hey, if it helps, you’ve got me. Between the two of us, we’ll figure this out.”

Abigail smiled, a flicker of light breaking through her usual guarded demeanor. “You’re always so sure. How do you do that?”

Emma tilted her head, considering. “Honestly? I fake it sometimes. But with you… I don’t know. It just feels right to believe in you.”